Nélio Brazão

The Centrality of Events Scale in Portuguese Adolescents Validity Evidence Based on Internal Structure and on Relations to Other Variables

We explored the measurement model of the adolescent version of the Centrality of Event Scale and its invariance across community (n = 1,079; 42.8% male), referred for foster care (n = 205; 58.0% male), and detained (n = 206 male) adolescent participants. Results indicated a three-factor measurement model, including all three functions that memories of significant life events may have, as a good fit to our data, particularly for male participants. This measurement model was invariant across boys taken from those different samples but not across gender. As for the short version of the instrument, a one-factor solution was the best fit to our data. It was invariant across boys taken from those different samples and across gender. Boys and girls expressed similar experiences, whereas community male adolescents reported the lowest impact of a meaningful event, in comparison with referred and with detained boys. These findings provide evidence on the validity of the scale for use with diverse adolescent samples, which may contribute for a better understanding of the impact that significant life events may have on the development of gender-specific and group-specific vulnerabilities.

Clinical Change in Cognitive Distortions and Core Schemas After a Cognitive-Behavioral Group Intervention: Preliminary Findings from a Randomized Trial with Male Prison Inmates

AbstractThe goal of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of a cognitive–behavioral program in reducing cognitive distortions and schemas in prison inmates. The Angry Cognitions Scale and the Young Schema Questionnaire was answered by a treatment and control group, and the treatment effects were tested using ANCOVA with baseline as covariate and condition as fixed factor. In order to assess clinical change, the Reliable Change Index was computed. At baseline, no differences were found between groups, except for one subscale of the Angry Cognitions Scale (Maladaptive Processes), where controls scored higher than treatment subjects. ANCOVA showed significant differences between groups at post-treatment, with treatment subjects presenting lower scores on the studied variables. Concerning clinical change, differences between groups were observed in the distributions by change categories in the majority of the variables. These outcomes offer preliminary evidence of the program’s ability to change cognitive variables underlying antisocial behavior.

The Efficacy of the Growing Pro-social Program in Reducing Anger, Shame, and Paranoia over Time in Male Prison Inmates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral group program, Growing Pro-Social (GPS), in reducing anger, shame, and paranoia over time in Portuguese male prison inmates. Methods: Participants were randomized to the GPS treatment (n = 121) or control group (n = 133). The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, the Other as Shamer Scale, and the Paranoia Scale were completed at baseline, at the middle of treatment, at posttreatment, and at 12 months’ follow-up. Intervention effects were tested with latent growth curve models (LGCM). Results: At baseline, no significant differences between groups were found. Results from LGCM showed that condition was a significant predictor of change observed in all outcome measures over time. While treatment participants showed a significant increase in anger-control over time, controls presented a significant decrease over time in this same variable. For the remaining dimensions of anger, as well as for external shame and paranoia, while the treatment group showed a significant decrease over time, the control group showed a significant increase or no change. Conclusions: These results pointed out the GPS’s ability to promote significant change in cognitive and emotional relevant variables associated with antisocial behavior.

Promoting Emotion and Behavior Regulation in Male Prison Inmates: A Secondary Data Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of the Growing Pro-Social Program.

This article describes a secondary data analysis collected from inmates who participated in an independent randomized controlled trial, testing the efficacy of the Growing Pro-Social (GPS) Program. The current study aimed to test the program’s ability to increase, on one hand, cognitive reappraisal (adaptive emotion regulation strategy) and, on the other hand, decrease expressive suppression (maladaptive emotion regulation strategy) over time. It was also assessed if the GPS was capable of reducing disciplinary infractions committed by inmates over time. Participants were randomized to the GPS treatment (n = 121) or the control group (n = 133). The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was completed at baseline, at mid-treatment, at post-treatment and at 12-months’ follow-up. Disciplinary infractions were collected from prison records during the 12 months before the beginning of the program, during the GPS’s 12-month length and during the 12 months after treatment completion. Treatment effects were analyzed with latent growth curve models. Concerning cognitive reappraisal, while treatment participants showed a significant increase, controls presented a decrease over time. For expressive suppression, the treatment group presented a significant decrease, and the control group showed no change over time. Treatment participants also presented a significant decrease in the number of disciplinary infractions and in the number of days in punishment, while controls showed no change or an increase over time. This study showed the GPS’s ability to promote emotion and behavior regulation, which contributes not only to inmate’s interpersonal adjustment, but also to a more efficient management of the prison system.

The effects of the growing pro-social program on cognitive distortions and early maladaptive schemas over time in male prison inmates: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a structured cognitive–behavioral group program, Growing Pro-Social (GPS), in reducing cognitive distortions and early maladaptive schemas over time in male prison inmates. Method: A total of 254 participants were recruited from nine Portuguese prisons and allocated to receive GPS (n = 121) or treatment as usual (n = 133). Participants were assessed with self-report measures on cognitive distortions and early maladaptive schemas at baseline, during intervention, at post-treatment and at 12 months’ follow-up. Assessors were blind to group allocation. Treatment effects were tested with latent growth curve models. Results: At baseline, no significant differences between conditions were found. Results from latent growth curve models showed that condition was a significant predictor of change observed in all outcome measures over time. When compared with the control group, the treatment group showed a significant increase on adaptive thinking, and a significant decrease of cognitive distortions and early maladaptive schemas over time. Results also showed that treatment effects were maintained over time (12 months after GPS completion). Additionally, participants who completed the program presented higher improvements on cognitive distortions and early maladaptive schemas over time than noncompleters. Conclusion: This study showed that a structured cognitive–behavioral group program can have positive effects on the cognitive functioning of male prison inmates, by reducing cognitive distortions and the prominence of early maladaptive schemas.